Everybody needs a holiday now and again – even your pooch. But while flying can be incredibly expensive and traumatic for your pet, ferry travel can provide a much more comfortable journey for your little companion. 50,000 dogs a year currently travel with P&O Ferries, helping you to share wonderful memories with every member of your family, without having to leave anyone behind. Take a look at our guide on how to travel with your pet via ferry to inspire an escape with your four-legged friend.
Ferry travel with a pet
To travel with your pet abroad, you’ll need to ensure you have a Pet Passport (which you can get from your vet) and that you’re up-to-date with the necessary vaccinations. In some countries there may be further restrictions, so it’s important to check in advance on the UK Government Website. Once you are all prepared, simply add your pet (or pets) onto your booking and you’re ready to go! Before you board, make sure to feed, water and exercise your pet, as this will help them to relax on the journey.
If you’re taking your pet on our Dover to Calais or Cairnryan to Larne routes, your pet will need to stay in your vehicle throughout the short crossing. Pets travelling from Hull to Rotterdam will be housed in kennels for the overnight sailing. You can visit your pet at any time during the journey if you need to, just ask a member of our crew for assistance. Unfortunately, we cannot carry pets on our Liverpool to Dublin route due to fleet regulations, but you can take you pet on a ferry to Ireland via our Cairnryan route instead
For more information about how to travel with your pet via ferry on individual crossings, take a look at the link relating to your crossing below:
From 1st January 2021, taking your pet on holiday may change due to Brexit. Find out how these changes could affect you on our Tips for Travelling to Europe after Brexit page.
Pet-friendly accommodation on holiday
Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a Great Dane, there are plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options abroad and across the UK. Campsites have long been a haven for those travelling with animals, especially considering the wide open area they have to run around and play in, and finding one in your chosen destination shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, when you travel with your pet via ferry you can ensure that they have all of their bedding, favourite toys, and food with you too, so you can create a little home from home for them.
If you’re looking for something a little cosier, have a look for the perfect pet-friendly cottage, which can provide you with the facilities and space to look after them the same way you would at home. If you want to explore the city, many hotels also cater to those travelling with pets, but always check in advance or include this into your booking to avoid any confusion.
Where to go on holiday with your pet
There are lots of superb destinations to choose from when it comes to taking your pet on holiday, regardless of what type of trip you’re looking for. For seaside fun, take your canine companion for a walk along the beautiful Belgian beach of Ostend, or visit Holland‘s favourite coastal resort, The Hague. Dogs love running free across the sand and playing in the sea, so a beach break will be ideal for many furry friends.
If you’re looking for a countryside escape in France, both the Loire Valley and the Pas de Calais region boast dense forests, charming villages and fantastic food, and there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in France to choose from too. Alternatively, in the Netherlands and Belgium, you can enjoy walks along the tulips fields near Haarlem or hike alongside your dog in the lush Belgian Ardennes.
Even city breaks can be great fun for you and your pet, with European capitals like Paris full of designated areas for dogs in their many parks.
Wherever you decide to go, you can rest easy that you’ve not only been able to save some money on kennels, but also been able to share some magical moments with your pet that you and your family will never forget. If this has inspired you to travel with your pet via ferry, don’t delay in booking your family holiday with P&O Ferries today.
